University of Virginia Library

But yet, before the ending of the morn,
The casket that his own hands once had borne,
Was brought unto him by a man who spake
In this wise:
“King Jobates bids thee take,
O King Bellerophon, what lies herein,
And saith that since thine office doth begin
This day, right good it were to judge of this—
If the man did so utterly amiss
To strive to keep his oath. He bids thee say
Withal if thou wilt have what yesterday
He gave unto thine hands—and, taking it,
Forget wild dreams that o'er the year did flit.”